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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Review: The Last Heiress by:Mary Ellis

About the Book:Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow's Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.

When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family's textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.

When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other's true nature.

Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda's wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.

Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God's path, how will their decisions affect those around them?

My Review:
Amanda Dunn's life has always been simple. Always having been waited on by maids, she is quite surprised when she sent over seas by her ailing father. Her father wishes for her to begin cotton shipments once more in North Carolina. Despite the ongoing of the Civil War, she knows this is something she must do even though she is terrified greatly. Her wishes are to return home as soon as possible. She arrives in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she stays with her dear sister, for the time being. She soon meets the charming and handsome, Nathaniel Cooper, that changes her thoughts about everything.

Nathaniel Cooper, a merchant, has a lot on his mind and a million things going at once. He dream has always been to buy his own land, but first he must work to get it. But when he meets, Amanda Dunn, he thoughts are directed straight to the pretty woman that is Amanda. As the war becomes worst and everything seems to tighten all around, they find themselves working closely with one another. They things begin to change in their friendship, but it all is changed when Nathaniel's brother, a Confederate Officer visits. Nathaniel begins to question whether or not he should join the war for nothing more than to protect his younger brother.

Nathaniel must decide whether he would rather protect his brother or let the woman of his dreams know how he feels. Amanda will have to choose if she'll leave the life she has always known for a love she desperately wants.

Mary Ellis is a fantastic author. I just adore her books, she is one of the best historical romance author ever. I hope there will be another one of her books in the near future.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.